Tongues have been wagging in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew, since the death of a man who is suspected to have committed suicide because he found out that he had contracted HIV.

Residents from the area told The STAR that they were in shock when they discovered the man, who was a popular figure in the community, hanging from a staircase last week.

The Lawrence Tavern police have confirmed to our news team that they are investigating a suspected case of suicide, however, the cops didn't comment on the rumoured motive.

Reports are that on Thursday, May 22, about 7:20 p.m., residents stumbled upon the man's body and summoned the cops. His body was reportedly seen hanging from a staircase by a piece of electrical cord.

"He is a well known man in di area, him go seek medical attention a two places and one confirm say him have di virus ... a dat mi hear people a talk," a resident said.

Another resident, who also spoke to The STAR, shared a similar comment: "Yea, mi hear dem a say a AIDS him have and go commit suicide, so it is just sad because everybody know him."